A Glossary of Siding Terms You Should Know

It is important to learn about siding terms so you can better understand what type of siding you need. Our expert installers at Up and Above Contractors, LLC have put together a glossary of commonly used terms in the siding industry.

• Batten: A strip of wood that seals joints in wood siding. Referring to the siding term “board and batten”, batten is the smaller part that goes between the board.

• Bottom lock: The bottom edge of a siding or soffit panel that locks onto the preceding panel.

• Channel: The portion of an accessory trim where siding or soffit panels are inserted. It also refers to the trim itself.

• Drip cap: A piece of trim that deflects water from the top of vertical siding. It is also known as head flashing.

• Face: The side of a siding or soffit panel that is visible after it is installed.

• Fascia: The trim that covers the ends of roof rafters.

• Flashing: A piece of metal that is applied around doors and windows to keep water from entering the home.

• Lap: To overlap the ends of two siding panels so that nails that fasten the siding to the exterior of the home are hidden.

• Lock: A part of vinyl siding that locks in with a locking leg to attach panels together.

• Nailing strip: A framing member that facilitates the installation of soffits.

• Sealant: Used to fill or seal joints in siding.

• Soffit: Material that covers the underside of an eave or overhang.

• Starter strip: An accessory that secures the first panel to the wall.

• Tongue and groove: A type of interlock that attaches two siding panels together. A “tongue” slips into the “groove” of an adjacent panel.

Up and Above Contractors, LLC is a premier home improvement company serving the Tri-State area. Our top-rated services include siding installation, gutter replacement, home additions and more. Give us a call at (973) 531-4225, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.